Microsoft ‘Laptop Hunters’ Up the Budget to $2,000

Microsoft’s laptop ‘Laptop Hunters’ commercial follows Sheila as she searches for an upscale notebook for video editing. I generally like Microsoft’s current ad campaign, but this installment really misses the mark.

During a trip to Fry’s Electronics, Sheila says she’s searching for a notebook with a big screen, fast processor and something that can cut video. She disregards a $2,000 MacBook Pro because it only has 2GB of RAM. She ends up getting an HP HDX 16t after evaluating several PC notebooks. Not a bad computer, but I don’t think this ad accurately reflects how a “filmmaker” should shop for a notebook.

I think it’s pretty lame that Apple stocks its $2,000 MacBook Pro with only 2GB of RAM, but there are a lot bigger fish to fry than worrying about upgrading RAM when you’re going to use a notebook for video editing. Creative professionals typically run very expensive creative suites and invest years of their professional lives perfecting their techniques on their chosen platform. If someone needs to run Final Cut Studio ($1,299), for example, they’re sure as heck not going to mind paying $50 for a 4GB memory upgrade. If they’re tied into PC specific applications, a MacBook is a non-starter.

If you’re going to spend $2,000 on a notebook, Fry’s is probably one of the last places to do your research. While the store does stock some powerful notebooks, the store emphasizes value, not high-end systems.

If you’re a video editor, you probably already know if you need a PC or a Mac. If you have $2,000 to spend on a PC notebook and want to edit video, you should consider buying a professional-grade workstation notebook such as an HP Elitebook, Lenovo Thinkpad or Dell Precision.

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Tags: AAPL, HPQ, Laptop Hunters, Mac, Mac vs. PC, Microsoft, MSFT, pc

Comments

Kris

@jonsthan - sure, but i'd still like to see one with a real professional. I'm a designer and I have to put up with ridicule for using PCs. Just have one that can satisfy us designers that use PC.

Jonathan

Kris, people who know something about hardware don't need ads like this one to help them decide to buy a PC or a Mac. These commercials are for the typical computer user that has little idea what goes on in that little box other than what they see on the screen, people who buy a computer based on what the guy at Best Buy recommends.

Kris

yeah, the problem with these ads is MS has to be so careful about not showing favoritism that they don't show the coolest PCs. Like the 6400 Precision with its its mousepad that lights up to be a job wheel.

Not to mention she doesn't even talk about hardrive speeds, video outputs, how many monitors she can run off it, RAID options, and not even E-SATA - some video professional. But I guess film-maker is different than CGI professional, I'll give her a break.

Can't they find someone that actually knows something about hardware? These ads end up pissing me off. and I use a PC.

Marc

Get ready for the fanboy fury!!!

I own a MacBook, too. I just don't throw a hissy fit whenever an ad like this comes up. But, go ahead fanboys. It's always funny to read your nonsense.

yahoo.com

This is a great ad. It gives the artist wannabes a reason to buy a PC that is affordable. Remember not all artists are computer insiders. The article is missing the point.

Adam

I don't think Xavier is missing the point at all. This is the most contrived of all the Laptop Hunter ads yet. Just take the comment about the video card for example.

Anyone looking to spend that much on a computer and for something as specific as video editing would have done their research before ever walking in the store.

As a professional in that industry I know there are a number of additional costs and considerations when it comes to purchasing hardware to do creative work like this.

The industry standard video editing software is Final Cut Pro. The PC alternative would be an equally expensive Adobe video suite with Premiere.

The previous ads focused a great deal on the cost savings, but this one tried to take a stab at telling creatives, specifically aspiring videographers, that snatching up a $2,000 PC will do all it takes.

Not happenin'.